Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the unbeatable crunch and golden flavor of perfectly crispy French fries, but achieving that restaurant-level crispiness at home—without copious amounts of oil—can be elusive. Enter the air fryer: the secret weapon for home cooks who crave fries that are light, crispy, and packed with flavor, all in a fraction of the time and with minimal mess.
Whether you’re preparing a fun after-school snack, rounding out a juicy burger night, or seeking a healthier alternative to deep frying, these air fryer fries deliver every time. They’re simple to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and produce consistently crispy results that will make everyone reach for seconds.
What Makes These Air Fryer French Fries Stand Out?
Unlike traditional frying, this method guarantees fries that are crisp outside and tender inside, relying on hot, circulating air for that signature crunch rather than a vat of oil. The result is fries that are not just lighter, but also healthier, allowing the natural potato flavor to shine.
Another highlight? The speed and convenience. No waiting for a pot of oil to heat up, no messy cleanup, and you can customize seasoning to your taste.
Cutting the Potatoes for Maximum Crunch
The key to truly crispy fries is uniform size for even cooking. Using a reliable tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper ensures your fries are perfectly cut, which helps them crisp evenly and cook at the same rate. Rinse and soak your potato strips in cold water to remove excess starch—a must for achieving that perfect crunch—then dry thoroughly before air frying.
Effortless Cooking with the Right Tools
For consistently excellent results, a high-capacity, versatile air fryer like the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt provides even heat and plenty of space to spread your fries for maximum air circulation. For nonstick operation and easy cleanup, try lining the air fryer basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or dedicated Air Fryer Paper Liners.
A quality oil sprayer gives you just the right amount of oil for flavor without excess, ensuring every fry is lightly coated for that irresistible crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Your Crispy Air Fryer Fries
Enjoy these fries piping hot straight from the air fryer, dusted with sea salt for classic appeal, or toss them with garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasoning blend. Serve with tangy ketchup, creamy aioli, or bold barbecue sauce. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, load them up with cheese, scallions, and bacon bits.
Store leftovers in airtight food storage containers and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 and, depending on potatoes used and seasonings, clocks in at approximately 150–180 calories per serving. It’s a lightened-up version of the classic fry, making it perfect for everything from snack time to party platters.
Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer French Fries (Recap)
With the right prep, uniform cuts, and a reliable air fryer, you can enjoy irresistibly crispy—never soggy—French fries with ease and speed. Healthier than traditional fries yet satisfying every craving, this recipe is destined to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel potatoes if desired (skins add flavor and texture) and cut them into uniform matchsticks, about 1/4-inch thick. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes fast work of evenly sized fries.
- Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this is key for crispiness).
- Drain and pat fries completely dry with a kitchen towel.
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 380°F for 2–3 minutes. Line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll or Air Fryer Paper Liners for easy cleanup, if desired.
- Toss the fries with oil or spray evenly using an oil sprayer. Season with sea salt and any additional spices you like.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket with room between them. Work in batches if needed for even cooking.
- Air fry at 380°F for 14–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure an even crisp. Thicker fries may need a few extra minutes.
- Transfer fries to a serving platter, season with additional salt if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes (not including soaking time)
